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The Toy Association and its charitable arm, The Toy Foundation, released the below statement yesterday. Alan Hassenfeld, known for his toy industry leadership and philanthropy, is the absolute right choice to lead the campaign. March 1, 2021 | The Toy Foundation (TTF) is calling on the global play community to bring comfort and aid to the thousands of children and … [Read more...] about Hassenfeld Leads The Toy Foundation Campaign for Ukrainian Children

The White House has decided to go after ocean freight carriers under American antitrust laws. The Department of Justice and the Federal Maritime Commission have agreed to work together to enforce U.S. antitrust laws. Yesterday, the White House released a statement, “Lowering Prices and Leveling the Playing Field in Ocean Shipping,” that details a lack of competition in the … [Read more...] about Ocean Freight Industry Is Anti-Competitive – Government to Step In

We have published a special report on “The Toy Intelligencer.” Entitled “The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on the Toy Economy,” it details some of the current and coming fallout on U.S. toy and toy-related stocks, the impact on input costs, and the effect on Russian toy companies and retailers. Here is the opening to the report: The ongoing war in Ukraine has had an … [Read more...] about A T.T.I. SPECIAL REPORT: The Impact of the Russia – Ukraine War on the Toy Economy

“Serious times call for serious toys.“ What do we sell when we sell toys? My first thought has always been that we sell fun. The Oxford Dictionary defines play as engaging “in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.” That sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Well, while we have been looking the other way, the very definition of play … [Read more...] about We’re Not Just in the Fun Business Anymore

The three Shenzhen based shows, Toy & Edu China, Baby & Stroller China and Licensing China will now take place from 5 – 7 May 2022. The show dates have been pushed back from their original dates at the end of next month, in order to support pandemic containment efforts. The fairs will still take place at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center.Ms Wendy … [Read more...] about Toy & Edu China, Baby & Stroller China and Licensing China moved to May 2022 [Ad]

Click here to listen to this episode This conversation about the recently announced move of New York Toy Fair to September 2023 looks at the challenges, opportunities and the industry-wide implications of this move. Richard and Chris talk about what it might mean for companies of all sizes and how the move reflects the dynamic toy business. (10 minutes) The … [Read more...] about Take 10 – A September Toy Fair: What It Means for the Industry

While beginning their 10th year of worldwide sales, the ever-popular maker of Rainbow Loom has announced the appointment of Christopher M. Tidwell as CEO.  Choon’s Design is experiencing a strong resurgence in its craft and jewelry-making kits and has tapped Tidwell to expand revenue and enhance global retailer partnerships. Choon Ng, President and owner of the brand, … [Read more...] about Choon’s Design Appoints New CEO Amid Its Tenth Anniversary [Ad]

WAR There is no greater disruption to life itself than war. It reminds us that no matter what secondary impact the situation in the Ukraine will have on the economy and our businesses, people are losing their lives. What a horribly sad situation. —————————————- Toy Stocks Mixed on the First Day of Fighting (1:40 PM Eastern Time) Dow Jones Average -1.83% Mattel … [Read more...] about The Disruption Report #47: WAR, Toy Stocks Mixed, and Plastic Set to Increase in Price

Raggedy Ann and Andy hugging doll set, about 1970. The Strong, Rochester, New York. Every year, The Strong receives thousands of nominations for toys that people believe—or, more accurately, KNOW—should be inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Most years, the number of nominations hovers in the 4,000–6,000 range. But in 2021, more than 55,000 nominations poured into … [Read more...] about Let Me In!

Click here to listen to this episode Richard and Chris talk with Thomas Kaeppeler, President of Ravensburger North America about the puzzle business and more in this dynamic environment. From puzzler personas to the hit (non-puzzle) toy Gravitrax, Thomas provides insight, perspective and thoughts for the toy industry on the company’s success.In the Endcap, Chris and Richard … [Read more...] about Puzzling Out the Business: An Interview with Thomas Kaeppeler of Ravensburger